High speed postage metering device and method utilizing a single postal security device with multiple printing modules

a postage metering device and printing module technology, applied in the field of high-speed postage metering device and high-speed mail processing system, can solve the problems of introducing new problems for the mail processing system, significantly affecting the throughput of the system, and requiring periodic maintenance of the drop-on-demand print head, so as to avoid complexity, cost or size, and maintain integrity and security. , the effect of high speed

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-23
PITNEY BOWES INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The present invention alleviates the problems associated with the prior art and provides methods and systems for utilizing a single postal security device in conjunction with multiple printing modules, thereby not adding complexity, cost or size to the system, while still maintaining the integrity and security required for printing indicia.
[0012] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a high speed mail processing system having multiple printing modules is provided with a single control unit, having an embedded postal security device (PSD). The control unit is coupled to each of the printing modules through a multiplexer that is capable of switching between each of the printing modules. During initialization of the system for each mail processing session, the control unit establishes a secure communication session with each printing module individually through the multiplexer. The secure communication session established with each printing module provides protection against both parallel printing and replay attacks. Thus, the control unit can generate and provide indicia that can be printed only on the specific printing module that is currently in use. The multiplexer can switch between printing modules during operation of the mailing system, thereby always keeping one printing module in use while allowing the printing module that is not currently being used to perform any necessary maintenance operations, without having to stop the processing of mail pieces.

Problems solved by technology

The use of a digital printing technology in mail processing systems, however, presents other issues that must be taken into consideration.
In particular, “drop-on-demand” style ink jet print heads are known to require periodic maintenance.
Because of the high volume of mail pieces processed, even very short periods of down-time for maintenance can significantly impact the throughput of the system.
The use of multiple printing modules in series, while alleviating the problem of reduced throughput, introduces new issues for the mail processing system.
While the use of a corresponding PSD for each printing module maintains the integrity and security of the indicium printing process by securing the communication lines to prevent attacks such as those described above, it adds significantly to the complexity of the high speed mail processing system.
In addition, the use of two separate postage meters can add significantly to the cost of the mail processing system, as well as increase the amount of physical space required to accommodate both meters.

Method used

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  • High speed postage metering device and method utilizing a single postal security device with multiple printing modules
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  • High speed postage metering device and method utilizing a single postal security device with multiple printing modules

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Embodiment Construction

[0017] In describing the present invention, reference is made to the drawings, wherein there is seen in FIG. 1 a portion of a mail processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that while the following description is being made with respect to a mail processing system, the present invention is not so limited and can be utilized in any type of high speed document printing system that generates and prints evidence of some type of payment. System 10 includes a control unit, referred to herein as controller 12, that preferably includes one or more controller units, such as, for example, a microprocessor, general or special purpose processor or the like, to control operation of the mail processing system 10. Specifically, the controller 12, in conjunction with one or more other processors or controllers (not shown), provides all user interfaces, executes control of the mail processing system 10, calculates postage for debit based upon rate t...

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Abstract

A high speed mailing system that utilizes a single postal security (PSD) device in conjunction with multiple printing modules is provided. The control unit with which the PSD is associated is coupled to each of the printing modules through a multiplexer capable of switching between each of the printing modules. During initialization of the system for each mail processing session, the control unit establishes a secure communication session with each printing module individually through the multiplexer. Thus, the control unit can generate and provide indicia that can be printed only on the specific printing module that is currently in use. The multiplexer can switch between printing modules during operation of the mailing system, thereby always keeping one printing module in use while allowing the printing module that is not currently being used to perform any necessary maintenance operations, without having to stop the processing of mail pieces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailing systems, and more particularly to high speed mail processing systems that utilize multiple printing modules for printing indicia on mail pieces. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Mail processing systems for preparing mail pieces, e.g., stuffing envelopes, and / or printing postage indicia on envelopes and other forms of mail pieces have long been well known and have enjoyed considerable commercial success. There are many different types of mail processing systems, ranging from relatively small units that handle only one mail piece at a time, to large, multi-functional units that can process thousands of mail pieces per hour in a continuous stream operation. The larger mailing machines often include different modules that automate the processes of producing mail pieces, each of which performs a different task on the mail piece. The mail piece is conveyed downstream utilizing a transport mechanism...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): G06Q99/00H04M15/00G07F19/00
CPCG06Q30/04G07B17/00508H04M15/00G07B2017/00967G07B2017/00524
InventorBAKER, WALTER J.KODONAS, KONSTANTIN G.STEINMETZ, JOHN H.
OwnerPITNEY BOWES INC